There was plenty of action on both offense and defense during Day 1 of Lions training camp. Here's a quick look at the good stuff:

Alphonso Smith replaces released CB Aaron Berry: A broken foot suffered just before the 2011 season began forced Alphonso Smith to miss Detroit's entire training camp. By his own admission, that injury cost him the chance to truly compete for a starting role last season. Smith looked to be facing a competition for a reserve role again in 2012 before Berry was released following a pair of recent offseason arrests. With Berry gone, Smith took first-team reps during Detroit's first camp workout. He made several solid plays in team drills and said he's optimistic about his 2012 chances.

2012 first-round draft pick Reiff on third team as O-line competition begins: Detroit's O-line ranked as one of the NFC's best pass-protection units last season, and that unit returns intact in 2012. OTs Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus retained their first-team spots during drills, with Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox handling second-team duties. This season is make-or-break for Fox. The 2012 draft pick needs to prove he can stay healthy after missing the last two seasons with knee and foot injuries. First-round draft pick Riley Reiff, who has been tabbed to replace Backus or Cherilus in future years, took third-team LT reps.

Coleman chosen over Spievey for first-team safety reps: Erik Coleman arrived at Lions' training camp last season expecting to compete for -- and win -- Detroit's starting safety spot opposite Louis Delmas. He was beaten for the position by Amari Spievey, however, and saw his season ended by injury in Week 4. Coleman committed himself to improving his play during the offseason, and his work was rewarded Friday with a first-team spot during drills. Spievey, whose 2011 season was also affected by inconsistent play and injury issues, took second-team reps.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson shine: It's only the first day of camp, but the ever-developing relationship between Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson looks to be stronger than ever. Stafford found receivers in coverage drills with surgical precision. Johnson burned nearly every DB he faced, including first-team DBs Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston. The touch on Stafford's throws to Johnson indicates the pair are continuing to develop the type of connection required to become an elite passing partnership.

Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLDET and @johnkreger.

_________________Jim Caldwell, on whether Jim Harbaugh is stealing his thunder: "Me? I don't have any thunder."

There was plenty of action on both offense and defense during Day 1 of Lions training camp. Here's a quick look at the good stuff:

Alphonso Smith replaces released CB Aaron Berry: A broken foot suffered just before the 2011 season began forced Alphonso Smith to miss Detroit's entire training camp. By his own admission, that injury cost him the chance to truly compete for a starting role last season. Smith looked to be facing a competition for a reserve role again in 2012 before Berry was released following a pair of recent offseason arrests. With Berry gone, Smith took first-team reps during Detroit's first camp workout. He made several solid plays in team drills and said he's optimistic about his 2012 chances.

2012 first-round draft pick Reiff on third team as O-line competition begins: Detroit's O-line ranked as one of the NFC's best pass-protection units last season, and that unit returns intact in 2012. OTs Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus retained their first-team spots during drills, with Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox handling second-team duties. This season is make-or-break for Fox. The 2012 draft pick needs to prove he can stay healthy after missing the last two seasons with knee and foot injuries. First-round draft pick Riley Reiff, who has been tabbed to replace Backus or Cherilus in future years, took third-team LT reps.

Coleman chosen over Spievey for first-team safety reps: Erik Coleman arrived at Lions' training camp last season expecting to compete for -- and win -- Detroit's starting safety spot opposite Louis Delmas. He was beaten for the position by Amari Spievey, however, and saw his season ended by injury in Week 4. Coleman committed himself to improving his play during the offseason, and his work was rewarded Friday with a first-team spot during drills. Spievey, whose 2011 season was also affected by inconsistent play and injury issues, took second-team reps.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson shine: It's only the first day of camp, but the ever-developing relationship between Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson looks to be stronger than ever. Stafford found receivers in coverage drills with surgical precision. Johnson burned nearly every DB he faced, including first-team DBs Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston. The touch on Stafford's throws to Johnson indicates the pair are continuing to develop the type of connection required to become an elite passing partnership.

Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLDET and @johnkreger.

Sounds good. Maybe Alphonso can be the #2 cornerback this year when the #2 receiver isn't taller than 6'0. He is a ball hawk, and if he works on his problems with over pursuing, he can be a reliable #2 or #3 cornerback. I hope Reiff isn't struggling.

The Detroit Lions wrapped up another day of training camp practice at its Allen Park facility.

Here are the things you need to know about today's practice:

-- Defensive end Lawrence Jackson and tackle Jonathan Scott let off some steam on Monday. Jackson was rushing the passer on the edge. Scott held Jackson's arm to prevent his opponent from attacking the passer. Jackson responded by shoving Scott. Then Scott responded by shoving Jackson, who immediately hit the ground. Both guys went their separate ways and resumed practice as usual.

-- Receiver Maurice Stovall was shaky on his day of practice, but is gaining some momentum. Stovall is making very acrobatic plays in tight coverages. Stovall has become a key special teams contributor, but solid during receiving drills.

-- Speaking of momentum, cornerback Bill Bentley broke up several passes on Monday. The more comfortable he becomes, the better Bentley is playing. He stays late after each practice, and routinely asks veterans lots of questions. He is the first cornerback off the bench in nickel packages.

-- Receiver Lance Long is quietly having a great camp. He makes catch after catch. Definitely somebody to keep an eye on as camp progresses.

-- Left end Willie Young continues to find ways into Detroit's backfield during practice. While Cliff Avril's presence is missed, Young is playing extremely well in his teammate's absence.

-- Rookie quarterback Kellen Moore is outperforming R.J. Archer right now. Moore is finding ways to complete passes, while Archer continues to throw interceptions. Moore struggles to throw the long pass, but is becoming more accurate with short throws.

-- Lions safeties Amari Spievey and Don Carey received first-team reps with Louis Delmas and Erik Coleman missing practice on Monday. Both players were solid in their roles.

-- There was a CFL scout from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers attending Lions practice. Definitely not the guy any borderline player wants to see right now.

-- Ryan Broyles, Titus Young and Stefan Logan took turns returning punts on Monday. Young received the first reps, followed by Broyles and Logan.

-- Jeff Backus, who is recovering from a thumb injury sustained during one-on-one drills on Saturday, wore a hard cast on that hand in the locker room after practice.

Quote of the day:

"He's been able to practice," Lions coach Jim Schwartz's response when asked why Jason Fox is looking good in training camp.

Tomorrow

-- The Detroit Lions will be in full pads during practice. Schwartz said there might be a few lives periods on Tuesday.

-- Practice begins at 9:15 a.m. and is open to the general public.

FYI - been out on vacation for a week in Florida, glad to be back for camp. I think the Lions would do just as well going with just Staff and Hill at QB and saving that spot for another position.

The Detroit Lions wrapped up another day of training camp practice at its Allen Park facility.

Here are the things you need to know about today's practice:

-- Defensive end Lawrence Jackson and tackle Jonathan Scott let off some steam on Monday. Jackson was rushing the passer on the edge. Scott held Jackson's arm to prevent his opponent from attacking the passer. Jackson responded by shoving Scott. Then Scott responded by shoving Jackson, who immediately hit the ground. Both guys went their separate ways and resumed practice as usual.

-- Receiver Maurice Stovall was shaky on his day of practice, but is gaining some momentum. Stovall is making very acrobatic plays in tight coverages. Stovall has become a key special teams contributor, but solid during receiving drills.

-- Speaking of momentum, cornerback Bill Bentley broke up several passes on Monday. The more comfortable he becomes, the better Bentley is playing. He stays late after each practice, and routinely asks veterans lots of questions. He is the first cornerback off the bench in nickel packages.

-- Receiver Lance Long is quietly having a great camp. He makes catch after catch. Definitely somebody to keep an eye on as camp progresses.

-- Left end Willie Young continues to find ways into Detroit's backfield during practice. While Cliff Avril's presence is missed, Young is playing extremely well in his teammate's absence.

-- Rookie quarterback Kellen Moore is outperforming R.J. Archer right now. Moore is finding ways to complete passes, while Archer continues to throw interceptions. Moore struggles to throw the long pass, but is becoming more accurate with short throws.

-- Lions safeties Amari Spievey and Don Carey received first-team reps with Louis Delmas and Erik Coleman missing practice on Monday. Both players were solid in their roles.

-- There was a CFL scout from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers attending Lions practice. Definitely not the guy any borderline player wants to see right now.

-- Ryan Broyles, Titus Young and Stefan Logan took turns returning punts on Monday. Young received the first reps, followed by Broyles and Logan.

-- Jeff Backus, who is recovering from a thumb injury sustained during one-on-one drills on Saturday, wore a hard cast on that hand in the locker room after practice.

Quote of the day:

"He's been able to practice," Lions coach Jim Schwartz's response when asked why Jason Fox is looking good in training camp.

Tomorrow

-- The Detroit Lions will be in full pads during practice. Schwartz said there might be a few lives periods on Tuesday.

-- Practice begins at 9:15 a.m. and is open to the general public.

FYI - been out on vacation for a week in Florida, glad to be back for camp. I think the Lions would do just as well going with just Staff and Hill at QB and saving that spot for another position.

I have a strong feeling Dwight Bentley will be a starter by the end of the 2012 season. He's been said to have worked hard and stayed after to understand the game more and he's been asking questions. Who knows, maybe he'll be the #1 CB we've been waiting for.

_________________

July 30th, 2012, 7:44 pm

kdsberman

Team MVP

Joined: February 20th, 2007, 10:51 pmPosts: 3426Location: Saginaw, MI

Re: Training Camp 2012

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

The Lions' dream scenario is that Willie Young completely breaks out next year and we sign him to a multi-year contract worth around $6 mill per year, then sign Brent Grimes or Marcus Trufant to a LONG-TERM contract, then pick up an offensive lineman in the 1st and 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

_________________

July 30th, 2012, 9:53 pm

Pablo

RIP Killer

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 9:21 amPosts: 9645Location: Dallas

Re: Training Camp 2012

MLive wrote:

Detroit Lions' Rob Sims adjusting to added weight

ALLEN PARK -- It's one thing for an NFL offensive lineman to healthily add 15-20 pounds to his frame during the offseason. It's an entirely different animal to practice multiple days in a row with that additional weight, but that's the adjustment Detroit Lions guard Rob Sims is facing at training camp this year.

"The first couple days I was hurting, no doubt, but I like the weight," Sims said.

With the blessing of his coaches and the team's training staff, Sims decided to bulk up after being disappointed with his 2011 performance. He's currently at 316 pounds after closing out last season at 301.

The Lions struggled to run the ball consistently in 2011, particular to the Sim's side of the line. He's hoping the added weight will allow him get better push, opening up lanes for the ground game as well as helping him hold his ground against the elite pass rushing defensive tackles.

Sims admits he won't know how beneficial the additional pounds can be until he's on the field for a long offensive drive in the preseason.

"If I'm able to do my job consistently through the whole period and through the whole game, then it worked."

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew spoke to reporters for almost 10 minutes before practice Tuesday on a wide range of topics that included defensive end holdout Cliff Avril, running back Jahvid Best, expectations heading into the season and where he stands with his defense.

Avril has yet to sign the team’s $10.6 million franchise tag and has yet to report to camp.

Best is yet to be cleared for contact from independent doctors after suffering his second concussion of the season Week 6 against the 49ers last year.

Here’s what Mayhew had to say:

On the current Avril holdout: “One of the thing’s about Cliff’s situation, if there’s anything positive to take from it or that was encouraging for me, was he’s very optimistic about how he’s going to perform this season. He’s willing to bet on himself and I respect that about him. He has his reasons for not being here, but I guess what I’m saying is we made a very solid offer to him that we felt was a very good offer. He was willing to bet on himself and bet he’s going to outperform what was on the table and I like that.”

On when he expects DE Cliff Avril to report to training camp: “I don’t know, it’s up to Cliff. I look forward to seeing him when he gets here. I know, like I said, that when he gets here he’s going to be in great condition and be ready to go. And he’s excited about how he’s going to play this year so I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

On whether he’s disappointed about the delay regarding RB Jahvid Best’s return: “Yeah, I’m a little bit surprised, little bit disappointed. Everything was trending toward him being ready to go the first day of training camp. It didn’t happen that way, so you have to kind of adjust. We have adjusted our expectation on that.”

On potentially making a roster move based on the health of Jahvid Best: “I think right now it’s very early in the game to start making that kind of call. It’s up to the medical professionals to decide when he’s going to be available. Eventually he will get cleared. I feel very positive and I feel very comfortable saying that. It’s just the question of the timing of it is up to those guys.”

On not having control over the status of RB Jahvid Best: “Yeah, it’s really frustrating. It’s like Jim has said before, it’s not like a hamstring, you know. This is a unique medical situation that’s different for every individual. It’s totally out of our control. It’s totally up to the best experts around the country. He’s got a battery of doctors. You have a conference call and there’s 20 guys on the call. He’s got the experts and those guys will make a determination on when he’s ready to play.”

On if he thinks the Lions are a better team this year than last year: “I think so. I think we’re a better football team for all the reasons we talked about before. The continuity, the maturity of our football team, all those factors come into play. Again, the fact that we had to win some games in December, we haven’t been in that situation in a long time. We had to win some and we actually did it so we know what it takes to be successful so I think we are a better football team.”

On what the strength of the team is: “I always say, in terms of our team’s strengths, obviously offensive passing game. We’ve got two of the best players in the league at their positions in Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. And then our defensive line as well. We’ve got a great defensive line. Those guys played some good football last year. I know our defense has been criticized but we did some good things on defense last year. Seven touchdowns, we were third in the league in turnovers, third in the League in third down percentage. We did some good things. We didn’t finish the way we need to finish. I think that left a bad taste in some of the players’ mouths. I know Gunther (Cunningham) is disappointed in it. I’m also looking forward to us playing consistent football throughout the entire season. We can do it. We’ve got the players to do it. We’ve got the coaching staff to do it. I feel very confident in our defense going into the season.”

On his response to critics of not improving the defense in the offseason:“I would say to just wait and see how we play. I’m very confident in the guys that we have. Again, we return 10 of 11 starters. I think there’s going to be a good competition for the right cornerback spot. I feel good about the guys that we have there now. If we could upgrade that group then we would upgrade the group, but I feel good about the guys that we have there right now.”On how much continuity on the coaching staff helps the franchise: “Oh it definitely helps. It definitely helps in terms of planning, preparation, expectations, knowing what to expect from each other. Scouts understand our coaches, our coaches understand our scouts. There’s great communication in the front office and all that’s a positive for us.”

On if not discussing the length of Schwartz’s contract is to avoid talking about it in the final year: “I mean it’s personal preference and from my standpoint I don’t talk about my contract. I’m certainly not going to talk about his. I think it’s a very personal thing, so that’s why it hasn’t been discussed.”

On how he handled team discipline after the offseason problems: “You know what, I think we’ve done a really thorough job analyzing guys’ backgrounds. I think there’s some times where we’ve taken a little bit of risk. But I think we’ve done a pretty thorough job. We continue to look into guys’ backgrounds and try and anticipate what behaviors guys might get involved in, but I think this offseason was different for us. I think there will be a reversion toward the mean. As an organization we have not had a lot of those problems off the field. I think we’ll head back toward that as we move forward.”

_________________Jim Caldwell, on whether Jim Harbaugh is stealing his thunder: "Me? I don't have any thunder."

July 31st, 2012, 11:06 am

kdsberman

Team MVP

Joined: February 20th, 2007, 10:51 pmPosts: 3426Location: Saginaw, MI

Re: Training Camp 2012

Shotty wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

The Lions' dream scenario is that Willie Young completely breaks out next year and we sign him to a multi-year contract worth around $6 mill per year, then sign Brent Grimes or Marcus Trufant to a LONG-TERM contract, then pick up an offensive lineman in the 1st and 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

I'd be ok with Grimes, but I don't think I'd want trufant on a long term deal.

Joined: October 20th, 2004, 4:16 pmPosts: 10136Location: Where ever I'm at now

Re: Training Camp 2012

kdsberman wrote:

Shotty wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

The Lions' dream scenario is that Willie Young completely breaks out next year and we sign him to a multi-year contract worth around $6 mill per year, then sign Brent Grimes or Marcus Trufant to a LONG-TERM contract, then pick up an offensive lineman in the 1st and 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

I'd be ok with Grimes, but I don't think I'd want trufant on a long term deal.

Let's wait and see what happens with the kids we have before we start planning on getting starters in free agency next year. I'd prefer that the Lions re-sign Chris Houston, if he has another solid year, than to spend huge dollars on Grimes, or go after a so-so Trufant.

_________________I will not put on blinders when it comes to our QBs performances.

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

It's good to hear about Bentley's work ethic. But, at this point, he could just be the shiniest turd in the toilet as far as talent at CB goes for the Lions.

July 31st, 2012, 10:03 pm

Shotty

Millen Draft Pick - Epic Bust

Joined: July 3rd, 2012, 2:06 amPosts: 730

Re: Training Camp 2012

BillySims wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

Shotty, I agree with what u said about Bentley, and I know it's early but I think he could get some playing time as a starter even earlier than that.

No surprise, but it still is nice (and relieving) to hear that Willie Young is tearing it up.

It's good to hear about Bentley's work ethic. But, at this point, he could just be the shiniest turd in the toilet as far as talent at CB goes for the Lions.

The CB position doesn't need to be great, questionably not even good because of the amazing amount talent/depth on the defensive line. Houston is reliable, but admittedly should be a #2 cornerback at best with the way he's played so far. Remember, he came from Atlanta where he didn't fit in well and was much worse than he is now. My prediction is Alphonso Smith will be an OK #2 corner until week 8 when Dwight takes his spot and Lacey/Alphonso are only used mainly in nickel and dime packages.